IT Director

Light Path Technologies, Inc. is a leading global provider of precision optics and photonics solutions, serving defense, aerospace, medical, and industrial markets. With decades of expertise and a strong culture of innovation, Light Path designs and manufactures advanced optical components and systems that power some of the world’s most demanding applications. We offer a collaborative, technology-driven environment, opportunities to work on cutting-edge programs, and a comprehensive benefits package that supports our employees’ health, growth, and work-life balance.

Light Path Technologies is seeking an experienced and operationally focused Director of Information Technology to lead the company’s day-to-day IT operations, infrastructure, support services, cybersecurity operations, and technology execution initiatives across multiple business locations.

This role is responsible for ensuring the stability, security, scalability, and operational effectiveness of the company's IT environment while leading internal IT personnel and coordinating with external managed service providers and technology partners. The Director of IT is a hands-on leadership role responsible for translating business needs into reliable operational technology solutions while supporting the organization’s broader cybersecurity, compliance, and business continuity objectives.

This position reports directly to executive leadership and works closely with strategic cybersecurity, compliance, and governance advisors.

• Lead and oversee daily IT operations across all Light Path locations and business units
• Ensure availability, performance, and reliability of:
• Azure infrastructure and cloud services
• Network infrastructure
• Voice and communication systems
• Core business applications
• Manage operational uptime and reduce recurring technical issues through proactive IT management
• Oversee hardware lifecycle management, system upgrades, patching, and infrastructure maintenance
• Lead, mentor, and manage internal IT staff and contractors
• Establish operational accountability and performance expectations
• Drive a responsive, customer-service-oriented IT culture
• Prioritize and delegate workload across the IT organization
• Support professional growth and development of IT personnel

• Support operational cybersecurity initiatives aligned with company security policies and Zero Trust principles
• Coordinate with managed security providers and internal leadership on:
• Threat monitoring
• Vulnerability remediation
• Access control management
• Ensure operational adherence to:
• Identity and access management standards
• Endpoint compliance requirements
• Security patching protocols
• Participate in incident response coordination and remediation activities

• Support operational readiness efforts associated with:
• CMMC 2.0
• NIST SP 800-171
• SOX and internal audit requirements
• Ensure IT operational processes and documentation remain audit-ready
• Assist with evidence gathering, remediation tracking, and compliance-related operational activities
• Enforce IT operational policies, SOPs, and technical standards
• Serve as the operational liaison for managed service providers, security vendors, and technology partners
• Hold vendors accountable to service-level agreements (SLAs) and contractual obligations
• Coordinate escalations, maintenance activities, and operational support efforts
• Participate in vendor evaluations and technology solution assessments
• Lead implementation and execution of IT infrastructure and operational technology projects
• Coordinate timelines, resources, and deliverables across departments and vendors
• Support operational rollout of:
• Cloud initiatives
• Security improvements
• Enterprise technology solutions
• Ensure projects are delivered efficiently with minimal operational disruption

• Assist executive leadership with:
• IT operational budgeting
• Hardware/software planning
• Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost optimization

• 8-15 years of progressive IT experience
• Minimum 5 years in IT leadership or…